Y2K (APA 2000) Symposium on the Nature of Online Therapy and Communication
A capsule summary of a very interesting panel on where we stand at the beginning of the 21st Century, in terms of delivering online mental health services. A discussion of the pros and cons of utilizing online communication. With John Grohol, John Suler, Storm King, and Yvette Colon. (Fenichel)

"Asynchronously Live" from APA 2001Current Issues in Behavioral Telehealth: An illustrious panel discusses the nature of online communication and treatment, describing both the potential pitfalls and benefits of online therapy.
With John Grohol, David Nickelson, Gerald Koocher, Leigh Jerome, and Patrick DeLeon. (Fenichel)

Best Practice for Clinicians, Best Outcomes for Online Seekers. Theory & Technique.

Online Case Studies: Report of the ISMHO Millennium Group
A summary of 16 therapists' work across a number of modalities, all involving the
Internet in some way or another. While many questions remain, a foundation is set
for continuing work on developing models of training and practice. (ISMHO)

Online Psychological and Mental Health Interventions
A look at the evidence supporting the value of online interventions ranging from open forum support groups to self-guided programs, with new developments and research findings shared by a panel of experts. (Fenichel)

Ethics in the age of the Internet
(APA, 2008)
APA Ethics Director, Dr. Stephen Behnke, reflects on issues such as new definitions of 'privacy', work and personal life interaction, and clinical judgment in an age of TMI.

Symposium on the Nature of Online Therapy and Communication
A capsule summary of a very interesting panel on where we stand at the beginning of the 21st Century, in terms of delivering online mental health services. A discussion of the pros and cons of utilizing online communication. With John Grohol, John Suler, Storm King, and Yvette Colon. (Fenichel)

Here & Now in Cyberspace
The nature of Cyberspace experience: online relationships, communication, and the therapeutic implications. (Fenichel)

'What is Psychotherapy'? In what directions are research, psychology, education and advanced training headed? Neuro-science? AR/VR treatments? AI advances? Improved health care systems with access to mental health treatments matching the need? Will you read about your sessions on Facebook? What exactly makes therapy work? What are the 'Goals and Expectations', and how are results measurable? Are treatments 'evidence-based'? What is the goal of psychotherapy vs. counseling vs neuroscience?

Mental Health Professionals: For those who maintain traditional practices, you need to understand thr lifestyle of today's clients, even if you are not tech savvy or active online. Culture, language, peer group are powerful influences..What are the expectations and goals? What is the training? What are the consumer assurances and protections? What new types of disorders are being seen and felt by growing numbers? To whom might you turn, or refer a request for help? If you are just beginnning and connected is the norm, what do you need to know about the state of online mental health, globally and locally? How do you diagnose or treat Internet-based addictions?

My Answer: 'Your mileage my vary', in large part because 'context and perspective are everything.' My dissertation and focus still, is in the area of 'person-therapy fit'. On Goals. Expectations.'Chemistry'. Communication. Empathy. 'Therapeutic Alliance'

And so you have heard my perspective, and now I welcome any questions or addition to the discussion. What is important to you, in your own context? What are the mental health needs, limits, challenges and potential - from your perspective? There has been a recent explosion of laboratory and real-world research, exciting progress in applications and training and access, and there are still vast areas of research which might engage today's students and young professionals address 21st Century needs and lifestyles.

What do you think?

Q & A

Спасибо

Very little has changed on the landscape in the U.S., at least for licensed mental health professionals in most of our 50 states.
Today, nearly two decades after the initial establishment of guidelines, training, and access platforms for online mental health activities, there is still a '50-armed Octopus' of state-by-state regulations and law in the U.S.
Meanwhile, there has been over a decade of demonstrated efficacy in online therapies, including support groups, computerized cognitive therapy programs, VR treatments for trauma, and more.
We've arrived, within our respective states and professions, while much of the world - with better broadband than the US - is growing in interest about 'online therapy', beyond HIPAA and state-by-state legal/licensing considerations. I continue to stress the importance of basics, like establishing a 'natural' and 'therapeutic' working relationship,
with a good fit on goals and expectations.

My interest extends to psychologists' progress and challenges with things like Internet facilitated therapies and treatments, and in many situations much still can be reduced to the key 'therapeutic' ingredients such as Carl Rogers described (warmth, empathy, genuineness), well-honed online communication skills, training and supervision, and protections for, and definitions of, the relationship.

Privacy, confidentiality, identity verification, encryption, informed consent, 'good fit' on goals and methods, along with ongoing continuing education and continuing new research. These are some of the the necessary ingredients for truly effective 'online (psycho)therapy', along with the fit between the two participants and the chosen modality and technology.

Additional new and relevant references will be added regularly, along with breaking news.

Online Psychological and Mental Health InterventionsHere's a fresh look, circa 2010 (at the APA's 118th Convention) at the evidence supporting the value of online interventions ranging from open forum support groups to self-guided
CBT programs, with new developments and research findings shared by a panel of experts. (Fenichel)

CSG Report: 1/2 Decade of Online Clinical Case Study
A report from ISMHO's Clinical Case Study Group, summarizing a half decade of observations and exploration, and describing some of the latest clinical issues to be addressed by the group, with case examples and links to references and prior work by the group. (Fenichel, Jones, Meunier, et al, 2005)

Distance Therapy Comes of Age
A compelling review of evidence we have in support of the value of online mental health services - across a multitude of platforms, tools and devices and a variety of modalities (e.g., chat, email, video, etc.). With some discusson too of the limits of "e-therapy" we have a balanced look at the challenges and potential. Complete with a bibliography for researchers.
From Robert Epstein, Scientific American, May/June 2011. [.pdf/Adobe]

Dot.COMSense
APA's brochure provided consumers with useful guidelines for seeking online mental health services, and launched the APA into the 21st century with this new look at the intersection between technology and psychology. It is no longer available online or off. (However, there are numerous discussions, research and resources at apa.org and various educational sites.)

Healthy and Pathological Internet Use
Transcript of a live online forum with Michael Fenichel, Storm King, Steven Stern, Kimberly Young, and John Suler. Topics range from "Internet Addiction" to the benefits of text-based communication. (October 24, 1999)

Here and Now in Cyberspace
Some thoughts about the nature of the here & now online, and the implications for both social and therapeutic interpersonal communication. (Fenichel, 2002)

Internet Therapy Clicks for Patients
Online therapy consumers speak about their (positive) experience, online therapists discuss practical and technical aspects of online treatment, and some of the strengths and limitations are discussed.
[See also: Getting Help on the Web]
(USA Today, 5-21-2001)

On the Nature of Online Therapy and Communication
A capsule summary of a very interesting panel on where we stand and what we know in terms of online mental health service delivery, and the pros and cons of online communication. With John Grohol, John Suler, Storm King, and Yvette Colon. (APA Convention Symposium, 2000)

Online Case Studies: Report of the ISMHO Millennium Group
A summary of 16 therapists' work across a number of modalities, all involving the
Internet in some way or another. While many questions remain, a foundation is set
for continuing work on developing models of training and practice. (ISMHO Case Study Group, 2000)

Psychotherapy and Clinical Work
in Cyberspace
"Is it possible to do psychotherapy in cyberspace?" This question is explored in depth, with a look at the technical and conceptual issues involved in online communication and psychotherapy. Many original articles and references in this chapter of The Psychology of Cyberspace. (John Suler, 2001)

Q & A on "Online Therapy"
Considerations for online counselors and therapists, in response to a November 2000 interview by a graduate student in counseling psychology. Covers some of the hot issues under discussion by professionals, including ethical, legal, and practice issues. Still valid. (Fenichel, 2000)

Surfing For Peace Of Mind
A CBS Report highlights studies demonstrating - as the new century began - how many people went online looking for health information (60 Million in 1999 according to a Harris poll) and how 4 out 10 searches on the top sites were for mental health information. (March 2000)

Telehealth Resources for Psychologists (APA)
A decade later - a recently revised/updated compendium of related research as well as an extensive bibliography of articles on theory and practice issues, from the American Psychological
Association (August 2010).